Loscard-H information

Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) is an antihypertensive, diuretic drug that acts on the electrolyte reabsorption in the renal tubular mechanism increasing the excretion of chloride and sodium in equivalent amounts. The exact mechanism of its antihypertensive action is not known at this time.

Loscard-H indications

Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) is typically employed for the treatment of patients suffering from hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive medication. It is also employed in some cases as a diuretic agent. Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) therapy may also be prescribed for the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis, edema (in patients suffering from congestive heart failure), nephrotic syndrome, drug induced edema, chronic renal failure or acute glomerulonephritis. Health care professionals may prescribe this drug in order to treat other medical conditions as well; if you would like to know more about the reasons you have been prescribed this drug, it is advised to ask your personal physician.

Loscard-H warnings

Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) may not be used in the treatment of patients who are allergic to this drug, any of its components or other sulfonamide-derived medication. Also, this drug may not be suitable for use in patients that are suffering from anuria, azotemia or impaired renal functions. Caution should be employed if the patient is suffering from hepatic disease. Other medical conditions may also influence the examining health care provider's decision of prescribing Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide); it is strongly recommended to make sure that the health care professional is fully aware of your health condition and medical history before starting a treatment with this drug.

Use of Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) during pregnancy or breast-feeding is also not recommended. This medicine may affect an unborn baby and it also passes into breast milk. As such, use of this drug in pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers should not be employed.

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Loscard-H intake guidelines

You should always take Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) as you have been directed by the prescribing health care specialist. While in some cases daily administration of the drug is recommended, other patients may be prescribed an intermittent therapy. Also, the number of daily doses may vary. As such, it is best that you do not follow another patient's intake schedule. If you have difficulties understanding the intake guidelines that your prescribing health care professional has provided, you should ask for further explanations from an authorized health care specialist - such as a pharmacist, a doctor or a nurse.

Loscard-H dosage

The exact Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) dosage may vary greatly from one case to another, depending on the condition being treated, on the patient's medical history and general health condition, on his or her age as well as on a number of other factors. As such you are advised to use the exact Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) dosage that has been prescribed to you and never use the dosage prescribed to another patient or a dosage that you have been prescribed in the past. Taking a different Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) dose may cause the treatment to not have the desired effect, and if you take this drug in larger doses you may have a higher risk of developing side effects, or you may suffer from an overdose.

Loscard-H overdose

You should never exceed the Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) prescribed dosage, in order to avoid an overdose with this medication. However, if you consider that you are affected by an overdose with this drug it is advised to immediately consult your personal health care provider, the local poisons center or to go to the nearest medical facility to seek emergency medical attention. The common symptoms of an overdose with Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) are dehydration and cardiac arrhythmia. The patient may also suffer from electrolyte depletion and thus may present the relevant signs and symptoms.

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Loscard-H missed dose

In case you have missed a dose of Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide), it is advised that you take the dose as soon as you remember. If the moment when you remember is too close to another intake of the medication, you should completely skip the missed Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) dose and take the next scheduled dose on time. You should never take a larger dose of the drug in order to make up for a missed dose, unless your prescribing health care provider directs you to do so.

Loscard-H side effects

In some patients Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) may cause side effects. While they are not very common, it is recommended to let your personal health care provider know if you begin experiencing any side effects. Several types of symptoms are possible: dizziness, headache, paresthesias, gastric irritation, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, pancreatitis, jaundice, hypotension. Metabolic side effects may include glycosuria, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia or hyponatremia. Renal failure or dysfunction may develop, as well as interstitial nephritis. Some patients reported experiencing muscle spasms, restlessness, unusual weakness and blurred vision. In some cases photosensitivity, anaphylactic reactions, respiratory distress, fever, rashes, vasculitis or toxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred.

Loscard-H drug reactions

Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide) may interact with barbiturates and narcotics, as well as with alcohol. If you are also following a treatment course with antidiabetic drugs, their dosage may need to be adjusted before starting to take Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide). This drug may have an additive effect with other antihypertensive medication. ACE inhibitors, ACTH, corticosteroids and skeletal muscle relaxants may also interact with this drug causing unwanted effects. This drug may not be properly absorbed if the patient is also taking Colestipol resins or Cholestyramine. NSAIDs, lithium and Pressor amines may affect or be affected by Loscard-H (Hydrochlorothiazide), and as such it is strongly recommended to let the prescribing health care provider know if you are taking these or any other drugs before starting a therapy course with this medicine. Other drug interactions that are not listed here are also possible.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Hypertension

Loscard-H Potassium Tablets, USP is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, including diuretics.

Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets USP is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, but there is evidence that this benefit does not apply to Black patients. (See PRECAUTIONS , Race and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Reduction in the Risk of Stroke, Race .)

Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium is indicated for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ≥ 300 mg/g) in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension. In this population, Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium reduces the rate of progression of nephropathy as measured by the occurrence of doubling of serum creatinine or end stage renal disease (need for dialysis or renal transplantation) (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects ).

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CONTRAINDICATIONS

Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets USP is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product.

WARNINGS

Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause fetal and neonatal morbidity and death when administered to pregnant women. Several dozen cases have been reported in the world literature in patients who were taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. When pregnancy is detected, Loscard-H potassium tablets should be discontinued as soon as possible.

The use of drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy has been associated with fetal and neonatal injury, including hypotension, neonatal skull hypoplasia, anuria, reversible or irreversible renal failure, and death. Oligohydramnios has also been reported, presumably resulting from decreased fetal renal function; oligohydramnios in this setting has been associated with fetal limb contractures, craniofacial deformation, and hypoplastic lung development. Prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, and patent ductus arteriosus have also been reported, although it is not clear whether these occurrences were due to exposure to the drug.

These adverse effects do not appear to have resulted from intrauterine drug exposure that has been limited to the first trimester.

Mothers whose embryos and fetuses are exposed to an angiotensin II receptor antagonist only during the first trimester should be so informed. Nonetheless, when patients become pregnant, physicians should have the patient discontinue the use of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets as soon as possible.

Rarely (probably less often than once in every thousand pregnancies), no alternative to an angiotensin II receptor antagonist will be found. In these rare cases, the mothers should be apprised of the potential hazards to their fetuses, and serial ultrasound examinations should be performed to assess the intra-amniotic environment.

If oligohydramnios is observed, Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets should be discontinued unless it is considered life-saving for the mother. Contraction stress testing (CST), a non-stress test (NST), or biophysical profiling (BPP) may be appropriate, depending upon the week of pregnancy. Patients and physicians should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the fetus has sustained irreversible injury.

Infants with histories of in utero exposure to an angiotensin II receptor antagonist should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia. If oliguria occurs, attention should be directed toward support of blood pressure and renal perfusion. Exchange transfusion or dialysis may be required as means of reversing hypotension and/or substituting for disordered renal function.

Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium has been shown to produce adverse effects in rat fetuses and neonates, including decreased body weight, delayed physical and behavioral development, mortality and renal toxicity. With the exception of neonatal weight gain (which was affected at doses as low as 10 mg/kg/day), doses associated with these effects exceeded 25 mg/kg/day (approximately three times the maximum recommended human dose of 100 mg on a mg/m2 basis). These findings are attributed to drug exposure in late gestation and during lactation. Significant levels of Loscard-H (Losartan) and its active metabolite were shown to be present in rat fetal plasma during late gestation and in rat milk.

Hypotension - Volume-Depleted Patients

In patients who are intravascularly volume-depleted (e.g., those treated with diuretics), symptomatic hypotension may occur after initiation of therapy with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium. These conditions should be corrected prior to administration of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets, or a lower starting dose should be used (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

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PRECAUTIONS

General

Hypersensitivity: Angioedema.

See ADVERSE REACTIONS , Post-Marketing Experience.

Impaired Hepatic Function

Based on pharmacokinetic data which demonstrate significantly increased plasma concentrations of Loscard-H in cirrhotic patients, a lower dose should be considered for patients with impaired liver function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics ).

Impaired Renal Function

As a consequence of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, changes in renal function have been reported in susceptible individuals treated with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium; in some patients, these changes in renal function were reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

In patients whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g., patients with severe congestive heart failure), treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors has been associated with oliguria and/or progressive azotemia and (rarely) with acute renal failure and/or death. Similar outcomes have been reported with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium.

In studies of ACE inhibitors in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been reported. Similar effects have been reported with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium; in some patients, these effects were reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolyte imbalances are common in patients with renal impairment, with or without diabetes, and should be addressed. In a clinical study conducted in type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria, the incidence of hyperkalemia was higher in the group treated with Loscard-H potassium as compared to the placebo group; however, few patients discontinued therapy due to hyperkalemia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Information for Patients

Pregnancy: Female patients of childbearing age should be told about the consequences of second-and third-trimester exposure to drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system, and they should also be told that these consequences do not appear to have resulted from intrauterine drug exposure that has been limited to the first trimester. These patients should be asked to report pregnancies to their physicians as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions: No significant drug-drug pharmacokinetic interactions have been found in interaction studies with hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin, warfarin, cimetidine and phenobarbital. Rifampin, an inducer of drug metabolism, decreased the concentrations of Loscard-H (Losartan) and its active metabolite. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Drug Interactions .) In humans, two inhibitors of P450 3A4 have been studied. Ketoconazole did not affect the conversion of Loscard-H (Losartan) to the active metabolite after intravenous administration of Loscard-H (Losartan), and erythromycin had no clinically significant effect after oral administration. Fluconazole, an inhibitor of P450 2C9, decreased active metabolite concentration and increased Loscard-H (Losartan) concentration. The pharmacodynamic consequences of concomitant use of Loscard-H (Losartan) and inhibitors of P450 2C9 have not been examined. Subjects who do not metabolize Loscard-H (Losartan) to active metabolite have been shown to have a specific, rare defect in cytochrome P450 2C9. These data suggest that the conversion of Loscard-H (Losartan) to its active metabolite is mediated primarily by P450 2C9 and not P450 3A4.

As with other drugs that block angiotensin II or its effects, concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to increases in serum potassium.

Lithium: As with other drugs which affect the excretion of sodium, lithium excretion may be reduced. Therefore, serum lithium levels should be monitored carefully if lithium salts are to be co-administered with angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors(COX-2Inhibitors): In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function co-administration of NSAIDS, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with angiotensin II receptor antagonists (including Loscard-H (Losartan)) may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving Loscard-H (Losartan) and NSAID therapy.

The antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including Loscard-H (Losartan) may be attenuated by NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Loscard-H potassium was not carcinogenic when administered at maximally tolerated dosages to rats and mice for 105 and 92 weeks, respectively. Female rats given the highest dose (270 mg/kg/day) had a slightly higher incidence of pancreatic acinar adenoma. The maximally tolerated dosages (270 mg/kg/day in rats, 200 mg/kg/day in mice) provided systemic exposures for Loscard-H (Losartan) and its pharmacologically active metabolite that were approximately 160- and 90-times (rats) and 30- and 15-times (mice) the exposure of a 50 kg human given 100 mg per day.

Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium was negative in the microbial mutagenesis and V-79 mammalian cell mutagenesis assays and in the in vitro alkaline elution and in vitro and in vivo chromosomal aberration assays. In addition, the active metabolite showed no evidence of genotoxicity in the microbial mutagenesis, in vitro alkaline elution, and in vitro chromosomal aberration assays.

Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected in studies with male rats given oral doses of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium up to approximately 150 mg/kg/day. The administration of toxic dosage levels in females (300/200 mg/kg/day) was associated with a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the number of corpora lutea/female, implants/female, and live fetuses/female at C-section. At 100 mg/kg/day only a decrease in the number of corpora lutea/female was observed. The relationship of these findings to drug-treatment is uncertain since there was no effect at these dosage levels on implants/pregnant female, percent post-implantation loss, or live animals/litter at parturition. In nonpregnant rats dosed at 135 mg/kg/day for 7 days, systemic exposure (AUCs) for Loscard-H (Losartan) and its active metabolite were approximately 66 and 26 times the exposure achieved in man at the maximum recommended human daily dosage (100 mg).

Pregnancy

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether Loscard-H is excreted in human milk, but significant levels of Loscard-H (Losartan) and its active metabolite were shown to be present in rat milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Antihypertensive effects of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium have been established in hypertensive pediatric patients aged 6 to 16 years. There are no data on the effect of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium on blood pressure in pediatric patients under the age of 6 or in pediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations and Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of patients receiving Loscard-H potassium in controlled clinical studies for hypertension, 391 patients (19%) were 65 years and over, while 37 patients (2%) were 75 years and over. In a controlled clinical study for renal protection in type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria, 248 patients (33%) were 65 years and over. In a controlled clinical study for the reduction in the combined risk of cardiovascular death, stroke and myocardial infarction in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, 2857 patients (62%) were 65 years and over, while 808 patients (18%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Race

In the LIFE study, Black patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy had a lower risk of stroke on atenolol than on Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium. Given the difficulty in interpreting subset differences in large trials, it cannot be known whether the observed difference is the result of chance. However, the LIFE study does not provide evidence that the benefits of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium on reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy apply to Black patients. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects ; Reduction in the Risk of Stroke .)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hypertension

Loscard-H potassium has been evaluated for safety in more than 3300 adult patients treated for essential hypertension and 4058 patients/subjects overall. Over 1200 patients were treated for over 6 months and more than 800 for over one year. In general, treatment with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium was well-tolerated. The overall incidence of adverse experiences reported with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium was similar to placebo.

In controlled clinical trials, discontinuation of therapy due to clinical adverse experiences was required in 2.3 percent of patients treated with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium and 3.7 percent of patients given placebo.

The following table of adverse events is based on four 6- to 12-week, placebo-controlled trials involving over 1000 patients on various doses (10-150 mg) of Loscard-H (Losartan) and over 300 patients given placebo. All doses of Loscard-H (Losartan) are grouped because none of the adverse events appeared to have a dose-related frequency. The adverse experiences reported in ≥1% of patients treated with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium and more commonly than placebo are shown in the table below.

Loscard-H (Losartan)

(n=1075)

Incidence

%

Placebo

(n=334)

Incidence

%

Musculoskeletal

Cramp, muscle

Pain, back

Pain, leg

1

2

1

0

1

0

Nervous System/Psychiatric

Dizziness

3

2

Respiratory

Congestion, nasal

Infection, upper respiratory

Sinusitis

2

8

1

1

7

0

The following adverse events were also reported at a rate of 1% or greater in patients treated with Loscard-H (Losartan), but were as, or more frequent, in the placebo group: asthenia/fatigue, edema/swelling, abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea, headache, pharyngitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, myalgia, insomnia, cough, sinus disorder.

Adverse events occurred at about the same rates in men and women, older and younger patients, and Black and non-Black patients.

A patient with known hypersensitivity to aspirin and penicillin, when treated with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium, was withdrawn from study due to swelling of the lips and eyelids and facial rash, reported as angioedema, which returned to normal 5 days after therapy was discontinued.

Superficial peeling of palms and hemolysis were reported in one subject.

Persistent dry cough (with an incidence of a few percent) has been associated with ACE-inhibitor use and in practice can be a cause of discontinuation of ACE-inhibitor therapy. Two prospective, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were conducted to assess the effects of Loscard-H (Losartan) on the incidence of cough in hypertensive patients who had experienced cough while receiving ACE-inhibitor therapy. Patients who had typical ACE-inhibitor cough when challenged with lisinopril, whose cough disappeared on placebo, were randomized to Loscard-H (Losartan) 50 mg, lisinopril 20 mg, or either placebo (one study, n=97) or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide (n=135). The double-blind treatment period lasted up to 8 weeks. The incidence of cough is shown below.

Study 1†

HCTZ

Loscard-H (Losartan)

Lisinopril

Cough

25%

17%

69%

Study 2††

Placebo

Loscard-H (Losartan)

Lisinopril

Cough

35%

29%

62%

† Demographics = (89% caucasian, 64% female)

†† Demographics = (90% caucasian, 51% female)

These studies demonstrate that the incidence of cough associated with Loscard-H (Losartan) therapy, in a population that all had cough associated with ACE-inhibitor therapy, is similar to that associated with hydrochlorothiazide or placebo therapy.

Cases of cough, including positive re-challenges, have been reported with the use of Loscard-H (Losartan) in post-marketing experience.

Pediatric Patients: No relevant differences between the adverse experience profile for pediatric patients and that previously reported for adult patients were identified.

Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

In the LIFE study, adverse events with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium were similar to those reported previously for patients with hypertension.

Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

In the RENAAL study involving 1513 patients treated with Loscard-H potassium tablets or placebo, the overall incidences of reported adverse experiences were similar for the two groups. Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets was generally well tolerated as evidenced by a similar incidence of discontinuations due to side effects compared to placebo (19% for Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets, 24% for placebo). The adverse experiences, regardless of drug relationship, reported with an incidence of ≥4% of patients treated with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets and occurring more commonly than placebo, on a background of conventional antihypertensive therapy, are shown in the table below.

Loscard-H (Losartan)

and Conventional

Antihypertensive

Therapy

Incidence

%

(n=751)

Placebo

and Conventional

Antihypertensive

Therapy

Incidence

%

(n=762)

Body as a Whole

Asthenia/Fatigue

Chest Pain

Fever

Infection

Influenza-like disease

Trauma

14

12

4

5

10

4

10

8

3

4

9

3

Cardiovascular

Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension

7

4

3

1

Digestive

Diarrhea

Dyspepsia

Gastritis

15

4

5

10

3

4

Endocrine

Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic vascular disease

4

10

3

9

Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat

Cataract

Sinusitis

7

6

5

5

Hemic

Anemia

14

11

Metabolic and Nutrition

Hyperkalemia

Hypoglycemia

Weight gain

7

14

4

3

10

3

Musculoskeletal

Back pain

Leg pain

Knee pain

Muscular weakness

12

5

5

7

10

4

4

4

Nervous System

Hypesthesia

5

4

Respiratory

Bronchitis

Cough

10

11

9

10

Skin

Cellulitis

7

6

Urogenital

Urinary tract infection

16

13

Post-Marketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported in post-marketing experience:

Digestive: Hepatitis (reported rarely).

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Malaise.

Hemic: Thrombocytopenia (reported rarely).

Hypersensitivity: Angioedema, including swelling of the larynx and glottis, causing airway obstruction and/or swelling of the face, lips, pharynx, and/or tongue has been reported rarely in patients treated with Loscard-H (Losartan); some of these patients previously experienced angioedema with other drugs including ACE inhibitors. Vasculitis, including Henoch-Schönlein purpura, has been reported. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported.

Metabolic and Nutrition: Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia have been reported with Loscard-H (Losartan).

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Small decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit (mean decreases of approximately 0.11 grams percent and 0.09 volume percent, respectively) occurred frequently in patients treated with Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium alone, but were rarely of clinical importance. No patients were discontinued due to anemia.

OVERDOSAGE

Significant lethality was observed in mice and rats after oral administration of 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg,respectively, about 44 and 170 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.

Limited data are available in regard to overdosage in humans. The most likely manifestation of overdosage would be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, supportive treatment should be instituted.

Neither Loscard-H (Losartan) nor its active metabolite can be removed by hemodialysis.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Adult Hypertensive Patients

Loscard-H potassium tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents, and with or without food.

Dosing must be individualized. The usual starting dose of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets is 50 mg once daily, with 25 mg used in patients with possible depletion of intravascular volume (e.g., patients treated with diuretics) (see WARNINGS , Hypotension - Volume-Depleted Patients ) and patients with a history of hepatic impairment (see PRECAUTIONS , General ). Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets can be administered once or twice daily with total daily doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg.

If the antihypertensive effect measured at trough using once-a-day dosing is inadequate, a twice-a-day regimen at the same total daily dose or an increase in dose may give a more satisfactory response. The effect of Loscard-H (Losartan) is substantially present within one week but in some studies the maximal effect occurred in 3-6 weeks (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Hypertension).

If blood pressure is not controlled by Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium alone, a low dose of a diuretic may be added. Hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to have an additive effect (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Hypertension ).

No initial dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or for patients with renal impairment, including patients on dialysis.

Pediatric Hypertensive Patients ≥ 6 years of age

The usual recommended starting dose is 0.7 mg/kg once daily (up to 50 mg total) administered as a tablet or a suspension (see Preparation of Suspension). Dosage should be adjusted according to blood pressure response. Doses above 1.4 mg/kg (or in excess of 100 mg) daily have not been studied in pediatric patients. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations and Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects , and WARNINGS , Hypotension - Volume-Depleted Patients .)

Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium is not recommended in pediatric patients <6 years of age or in pediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations and Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects , and PRECAUTIONS ).

Preparation of Suspension

Add 10 mL of Purified Water USP to an 8 ounce (240 mL) amber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle containing ten 50 mg Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets. Immediately shake for at least 2 minutes. Let the concentrate stand for 1 hour and then shake for 1 minute to disperse the tablet contents. Separately prepare a 50/50 volumetric mixture of Ora-Plus ** and Ora-Sweet SF **. Add 190 mL of the 50/50 Ora-Plus /Ora-Sweet SF mixture to the tablet and water slurry in the PET bottle and shake for 1 minute to disperse the ingredients. The suspension should be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and can be stored for up to 4 weeks. Shake the suspension prior to each use and return promptly to the refrigerator.

Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

The usual starting dose is 50 mg of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium tablets once daily. Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg daily should be added and/or the dose of Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium should be increased to 100 mg once daily followed by an increase in hydrochlorothiazide to 25 mg once daily based on blood pressure response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Reduction in the Risk of Stroke ).

Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily. The dose should be increased to 100 mg once daily based on blood pressure response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients). Loscard-H (Losartan) potassium may be administered with insulin and other commonly used hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, glitazones and glucosidase inhibitors).

HOW SUPPLIED

Loscard-H Potassium Tablets USP 25 mg

White, round, biconvex film-coated tablets with “APO” debossed on one side and “LS” over “25” on the other side. Supplied in the following presentations

Bottles of 30 (NDC 60505-3160-3)

Bottles of 90 (NDC 60505-3160-9)

Bottles of 1000 (NDC 60505-3160-8)

Unit dose Blisters of 100 (10x10s) (NDC 60505-3160-0)

Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets USP 50 mg

White to off white, round, biconvex, film-coated, scored tablets debossed “APO” on one side and “LS” bisect “50” on the other side. Supplied in the following presentations

Bottles of 30 (NDC 60505-3161-3)

Bottles of 90 (NDC 60505-3161-9)

Bottles of 1000 (NDC 60505-3161-8)

Unit dose Blisters of 100 (10x10s) (NDC 60505-3161-0)

Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets USP 100 mg

White, oval, biconvex film-coated tablets with “APO” debossed on one side and “LS100” on the other side. Supplied in the following presentations

Bottles of 30 (NDC 60505-3162-3)

Bottles of 90 (NDC 60505-3162-9)

Bottles of 1000 (NDC 60505-3162-8)

Unit dose Blisters of 100 (10x10s) (NDC 60505-3162-0)

Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Dispense in a tight, light resistant container.

** Trademark of Paddock Laboratories, Inc

APOTEX CORP.

Loscard-H (Losartan) POTASSIUM TABLETS USP

25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg

Manufactured by:

Apotex Research Pvt. Ltd.

Bangalore – 560 099

India

Manufactured by:

Apotex Inc.

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

Manufactured for:

Apotex Corp.

Weston, Florida

33326

Revised: May 2012

PATIENT INFORMATION

Loscard-H Potassium Tablets USP

25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Read the Patient Information that comes with Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your condition and treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets?

Do not take Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets can harm your unborn baby causing injury and even death. Stop taking Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets if you become pregnant and call your doctor right away. If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other treatment options before taking Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets.

What is Loscard-H Potassium Tablets?

Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets is a prescription medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It is used:

Alone or with other blood pressure medicines to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).

To lower the chance of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and a heart problem called left ventricular hypertrophy. Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets may not help Black patients with this problem.

To slow the worsening of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy) in patients with type 2 diabetes who have or had high blood pressure.

Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets has not been studied in children less than 6 years old or in children with certain kidney problems.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure is the force in your blood vessels when your heart beats and when your heart rests. You have high blood pressure when the force is too much. Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets can help your blood vessels relax so your blood pressure is lower.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH). is an enlargement of the walls of the left chamber of the heart (the heart’s main pumping chamber). LVH can happen from several things. High blood pressure is the most common cause of LVH.

Type 2 Diabetes with Nephropathy. Type 2 diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens mainly in adults. If you have diabetic nephropathy it means that your kidneys do not work properly because of damage from the diabetes.

Who should not take Loscard-H Potassium Tablets?

Do not take Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Loscard-H Potassium Tablets?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you:

Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. See "What is the most important information I should know about Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets?”

Are breast-feeding. It is not known if Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets passes into your breast milk. You should choose either to take Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets or breast-feed, but not both.

are vomiting a lot or having a lot of diarrhea

have liver problems

have kidney problems

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Loscard-H Potassium Tablets and certain other medicines may interact with each other. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:

potassium supplements

salt substitutes containing potassium

water pills (diuretics)

Medicines used to treat pain and arthritis, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs including COX-2 inhibitors.

How do I store Loscard-H Potassium Tablets?

Keep Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets in a tightly closed container that protects the medicine from light.

Keep Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about Loscard-H Potassium Tablets

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about Loscard-H (Losartan) Potassium Tablets that is written for health professionals.

Active ingredient is the part of the drug or medicine which is biologically active. This portion of the drug is responsible for the main action of the drug which is intended to cure or reduce the symptom or disease. The other portions of the drug which are inactive are called excipients; there role is to act as vehicle or binder. In contrast to active ingredient, the inactive ingredient's role is not significant in the cure or treatment of the disease. There can be one or more active ingredients in a drug.

Loscard-H available forms, composition, doses:

Form of the medicine is the form in which the medicine is marketed in the market, for example, a medicine X can be in the form of capsule or the form of chewable tablet or the form of tablet. Sometimes same medicine can be available as injection form. Each medicine cannot be in all forms but can be marketed in 1, 2, or 3 forms which the pharmaceutical company decided based on various background research results.Composition is the list of ingredients which combinedly form a medicine. Both active ingredients and inactive ingredients form the composition. The active ingredient gives the desired therapeutic effect whereas the inactive ingredient helps in making the medicine stable.Doses are various strengths of the medicine like 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and so on. Each medicine comes in various doses which is decided by the manufacturer, that is, pharmaceutical company. The dose is decided on the severity of the symptom or disease.

Tablets; Oral; Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg; Losartan 50 mg

Loscard-H destination | category:

Destination is defined as the organism to which the drug or medicine is targeted. For most of the drugs what we discuss, human is the drug destination.Drug category can be defined as major classification of the drug. For example, an antihistaminic or an antipyretic or anti anginal or pain killer, anti-inflammatory or so.

Human:

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Thiazide diuretics

Loscard-H Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

A medicine is classified depending on the organ or system it acts [Anatomical], based on what result it gives on what disease, symptom [Therapeutical], based on chemical composition [Chemical]. It is called as ATC code. The code is based on Active ingredients of the medicine. A medicine can have different codes as sometimes it acts on different organs for different indications. Same way, different brands with same active ingredients and same indications can have same ATC code.

Loscard-H pharmaceutical companies:

Pharmaceutical companies are drug manufacturing companies that help in complete development of the drug from the background research to formation, clinical trials, release of the drug into the market and marketing of the drug.Researchers are the persons who are responsible for the scientific research and is responsible for all the background clinical trials that resulted in the development of the drug.

Dailymed."LOSARTAN POTASSIUM: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Loscard-H?

Depending on the reaction of the Loscard-H after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Loscard-H not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is Loscard-H addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

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Review

sDrugs.com conducted a study on Loscard-H, and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of Loscard-H consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.